The Nation Newspaper

Tag: forever

  • Nothing lasts forever

    Nothing lasts forever

    A time was when being a Marlian was the madness a multitude was afflicted by. A sizeable number of students, teachers, artisans and more prided themselves as Marlians, fans of music star Naira Marley (a London returnee who preached all sorts of morally-bankrupt ideas). His music was reigning so there was a reason for the cult followership. The death of Mohbad erased whatever was left of the Marlian affliction.

    Now, no one except Naira Marley himself publicly identifies as a Marlian, a timed idea whose promoters acted as though would outlive them.

    Before the likes of Naira Marley, time was when Tony Tetuila, Idris Abdulkareem, Eddy Remedy and so on were the stars and the moons. Now, we simply reminisce about their great years, whose chances of being reenacted are slim. Now, it is time for Wizkid, Tems, Simi, Rhema, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Kizz Daniel, Davido and others. Like those before them, they won’t reign forever. No one does. If age doesn’t take them out of the limelight, death at ripe ages will.

    Time was in the film industry in Nigeria when Ade Love, Ogunde, Eddy Ugboma, Baba Sala and so on determined where the pendulum swung and by the time the industry ‘downsized’ into home video and became known as Nollywood, it looked as though the shots would always be called by the Ejiros, the Amenechis, the Andy Bests and the Nnebues. The marketers of yore were so powerful they banned Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and others for demanding their rights. Genevieve and Omotola are relevant but time has dumped those who sought to diminish them.

    In the 60s, Nigeria’s destiny was in the hands of Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikwe, Tafawa Balewa and others. The military class took over thereafter and didn’t vacate until 1999. No matter how long the likes of Ibrahim Babangida stayed, their time ran out. Olusegun Obasanjo had his time, passed it to Umar Yar’Adua and his death forced power on Dr Goodluck Jonathan who later lost it to Muhammadu Buhari. When Buhari was starting out, it looked like eight years would never end. Now, it is Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s turn, and it will end; the maximum is 2031. Another will come and another will come and another will come. It is a cycle and it will keep spiraling like a revolving door that pushes you out when you have had your turn.

    Read Also: Tinubu, grand master of progressive politics, says Speaker Abbas

    It is not only human beings that have their time. Even gadgets come and go. Technology ensures the door keeps revolving. DVD retired VHS, but now memory cards do their jobs and more. Streaming platforms are dealing with cable channels. Time will tell how long cable can keep fighting back and what will come and take out streaming. Landlines are being retired by mobile phones, and even phones keep getting renewed and what looks like the in-thing today will become relics tomorrow. Blackberry’s fate is a good example.

    Once in a while we all need to visit hospitals and be preached to by the sick or visit the mortuaries and listen to the sermon from the dead. Either of these will make us humble and stop attaching too much importance to ourselves.

    F. Scott Fitzgerald, in The Great Gatsby, wrote: “Whenever you feel like criticising anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.” I rephrase it this way: When you feel you are the all in all, just remember that it is because it is your time, and when time is done with you, you will be in its dustbin.

    My final take: Nearly everything has its time. This is a fact we all must realise. In everything we do, we must realise that a time will come when our relevance will wane, when our phones will ring less, when we will receive less invitations to events, when our mails will drop, when almost everything will go low.

  • YOU CAN’T COMPARE A COMEDY CONCERT TO A COMEDY SHOW – COMEDIAN FOREVER

    FOLLOWING the success of the just-concluded third installment of his comedy show series ‘Forever Funny With Forever’, comedian Akuidolo Orevaoghene,  known by his stage name Forever, has called out Nigerian comedians to understand the difference between comedy concerts which is what most of them do and comedy shows which is what he wants to be identified with.

    “We really hope that Nigerians understand and appreciate comedy for what it is to now,” Forever said in an interview.

    His show which held at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos had guest appearances like Bovi, Mc Abbey, Funny Bone, Lafup, Mc lively among others.

    “Most people think that a comedy show without musical interludes cannot work. When they appreciate the fact that comedy is comedy and what it does is to make you laugh, then they’ll know it can stand on its own without any form of support.

    “It borders on other comedians to virtually do the same and believe their brand is strong enough to make it work. If you want to do a comedy show I think you should focus more on comedy contents and make it more. At least we can start with not letting the musicians be more than the comedians in the comedy show and that way people are going to understand that comedy well stands by itself.”

     

  • Entrepreneurs shine at Forever Success Day

    Entrepreneurs shine at Forever Success Day

    Recommendations came the way of some business owners recently as they literally entered the hall of fame reserved for a select few. The vent was at the Forever Living Products Nigeria (FLPN) Lagos Success Day.

    As the name implies, the Lagos Success Day, provide opportunities for beneficiaries to earn incentives based on company approved plan just as it announcements of move-ups, recognitions and decorations are made.

    The last event, like the previous editions was a show-stopper of some sorts, as the venue was jam-packed not only by Forever Business Owners, many of whom had come with their teams, while others had come to hear about the products they had used or would want to participate in the greatest money making business of this generation.

    This comes before the landmark Forever 40 Years Anniversary of Forever Living Products International, #FGR18 (Forever Comes Home), holding in Dallas, Texas, USA, 22 – 30 April, 2018 and another, #EMR18 (Forever Comes Home) Eagle Manager Retreat, Phoenix, October 07 – 13, 2018.

    Speaking after the event in Lagos, African’s First Double Diamond Manager, Mr. John Ekperigin, commended the organisers, particularly the Country Sales Manager, Mr. Daniel Ikechukwu, whom he described as a young man who is full of energy and full of ideas.

    According to him, “Daniel is intelligent, focused and a businessman to the core.” Ekperigin described the last Lagos Success Day, as one of the best organised events he had witnessed since joining the company.

    “Forever Nigeria has done so much for this country in its 18 years. Nigerians are hardworking people, yet in all their struggles, they are never well compensated. However in Forever, you know what you are worth, people are compensated. The young, middle aged and old people who do the business are celebrated and their successes recognised and acknowledged for all to see. Business owners work hard every day and this reflects in their monthly income which sometimes runs into millions of Naira.

    “As we speak, I am driving my fifth brand new car – a Toyota Hilux, courtesy of Forever Living Products. We usually get some of the best cars around. This incentive is not only for people like me, they are for all FBOs who qualify. Today, I have more than 350 Forever Business Owners, from my team who have benefited from the Car Incentives. Few weeks from now, our people are going on an all-expenses paid trip to Dallas, Texas, USA, to celebrate 40 years of Forever International. When they go, they will bring back millions of Naira in the form of the Chairman’s Bonus. In Dallas, Nigerian FOBs will be celebrating with others from over 180 countries across the world on the founding of Forever by Mr. Rex Maughan, a man of vision and great wisdom, whom God had used to bless mankind.

    “Today, we are blessed to have Mr. Daniel Ikechukwu. In the past, people were doing their businesses on individual capacities, however Daniel has changed that. He now insists that everyone work together for the benefit of all and the groups. The company also benefits from this innovation. There was a time, Forever Nigeria was No. 3 in the world, I can see this Daniel taking us to that position again and hopefully higher. With Daniel Ikechukwu, the sky is the limit for Forever Nigeria.”

    Also speaking on the Lagos Success Day is a Diamond Sapphire Manager, Mrs. Oma Attah, described the event as breath-taking. “We have had great Country Sales Managers, from Susan Oyemade, Cornelius Tay and now, Daniel Ikechukwu. I thank God for this business and would encourage Forever Business Owners to take their businesses seriously, adhering strictly to company plans for them,” she said.

    According to the Country Sales Manager Mr. Daniel Ikechukwu, “this Success Day presented an opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate our business owners for the work they did last year (2017). We, as well, used it to remind all our business owners the fact that 2018 has once again presented to all of us a blank cheque or a white canvas. It is left for each of us to fill in the amount that we desire or to paint the picture of the future we desire. We urge all our business owners to make 2018 that year that posterity will remember that there was a 2018 for them.”

  • Mugabe forever

    Africa’s diverse groups are looking for an efficiently devised and managed socio-politico-economic system that allows every individual to have a place and make a life for himself in it.

    Not too long ago, I wrote on this column:
    …Let’s give it to Mr. Robert Mugabe who says he has no intention of dying, because he has had a conversation with God on the matter of his death. Only, he should please share that audio/video evidence. If he does not have that evidence, then he should please step aside, and he shouldn’t make me to have to make him.

    Unfortunately, dear reader, I eventually had to make Robert Mugabe leave. Well, to be honest, I did not do it alone. I had a lot of help from his overambitious wife, his very annoyed bosom friends, and his excessively patient countrymen and women. I think the story really started with the unchecked ambition of his wife, Grace, who wanted to succeed her husband as head of state. This did not go down well with his bosom friends, Constantine Chiwenga, the head of the military, and Emmerson Mnangagwa, the former vice-president. It also annoyed the people. Through that, she finally paved the way for Mugabe to exit the Zimbabwean scene in semi-disgrace, even though he had hoped to live forever.

    I am not sure we have the full ramifications of what happened in Zimbabwe. While some commentators have described what took place there as a coup, others have been rather guarded and described it as a ‘change of baton among three friends.’ But, like they say, if it quacks like a duck… So, if it looks like a coup, feels like a coup, then it is probably a coup. After all, tanks were rolled out.

    Not that you can blame those who call it a change of guard. Truth is, the participants know each other. From our understanding, these three gentlemen named above all fought the liberation war side by side. The only one absent then was Grace, the wife. I think she was probably not born then. So, Zimbabweans have allowed the three liberation fighters to continue to enjoy the fruits of their liberation labours, even if it has meant literally sucking the country dry. But the people have not really minded rolling up many wheelbarrows of their dollars to the market just to buy an orange, have they? I think that is what Grace thought, as she so wanted desperately to go on with her partying.

    Anyway, today, we just want to talk about why things had to come to such a sorry pass before anything was done. What were the people looking at? I have always wondered why this African continent is so blest with leaders who have no business being in leadership. No matter how well-meaning the best of them are when they start out, they soon turn their minds to petty things and lose their vision. Most Africans cannot seem to get past the wealth they are surrounded by when they assume public office. They then become promptly blind and cannot see the fine print that draws the line between the public pocket and the private pocket. They think all is the booty of war. Why?

    One would think that people like Mugabe and his friends who had to physically fight to wrest their country from white rule would appreciate the fine things about governance. I would think indeed that people like that would appreciate the onerous fight to move the country towards socioeconomic and political liberation. If that fight had continued at the momentum it started with, Zimbabwe should now be cruising on the superhighway of development, a first world among the thirds. Instead, it is standing still in the midst of the last of the thirds.

    Mugabe sat at the head of a triumvirate of friends that has been ruling the country and has left the entire populace of Zimbabwe gasping for air. Even with Mugabe gone now, the saga still continues because the remaining duo might end up just keeping house for him. Mugabe lives on; Mugabe forever. The reason is that the only thing that differentiates them from him is that they have no Grace as yet to affront the sensibilities of the people, after inflicting poverty on them.

    Another question I have asked myself often and with no answer in sight is why a 93-year-old man would persist in thinking that he alone should keep ruling his country until he dropped. What exactly was he thinking? There is a post that has been going the rounds showing that America has had seven presidents since Mugabe came into power in 1980. More importantly, the snapshots of Mugabe always showed him at his varied ages of growth but invariably in various stages of sleep on his exalted seat. So, while the man sat and dozed on the country’s resources, he gave nothing back but somnambulating for all his 37 years in power! He was god, and no mistake.

    So, why do African leaders suffer from this god complex? I think it’s mostly because African leaders have contrived to make the law ineffective. Where there is no law, there is no sin. Most African leaders have fancied themselves to be the law. They do not embezzle; the entire funds belong to them, by divine right. They do not commit murder on political opponents; the entire country and its peoples belong to them. They can do no wrong; the entire legal system exists for their manipulation. Only the law of nature is left to cuff them because that does not belong to them.

    Mugabe has been cuffed now by old age and led out of the stage. His fellow triumvirates are not much younger, and yet, for all their years in power as head of the army, the ZANU-PF, the vice presidency, etc., Zimbabwe remains in shambles. What then becomes of this broken country? The people smile on.

    One of the problems of African countries remains this plurality of peoples. Most African countries have not been able to get past it. It is responsible for differences in language, culture and religion. It makes one group call a goat a goat while another calls it a beauty queen. It is one thing to mouth inanities like cultural diversities being beautiful as we do in Nigeria. In reality, though, plurality of cultures within a confined space spawns nothing but a deafening cacophony, if not properly managed. Unfortunately, devious and visionless African leaders continually use conjuring tricks to hold their diverse states to ransom. Mugabe was said to have been able to hold on to power for so long because he was able to control these diverse groups, even if dubiously.

    In truth, ability to control is not what these diverse groups need in their leaders. Africa’s diverse groups are looking for an efficiently devised and managed socio-politico-economic system that allows every individual to have a place and make a life for himself in it. This is what the leaders of western countries have been able to build for their citizens in spite of their own cultural diversities. Now everyone from all over the world wants to go and take advantage of that. In Africa, the leaders would rather take advantage of the situation and build confusion upon confusion so that the people can be at each other’s throats while the treasury is being emptied… It happened in Rwanda; it is happening in Nigeria. Nigeria now has religion pitted against religion, group against group and me against the whole world.

    Mugabe lives forever in every African leader that remains persistently anachronistic and not forward looking. When they do not manage their countries well but control groups for their own selfish ends, they are not leaders. People say there is a new word  for it now. They have merely mugabed.  The man just might live forever after all.

  • Forever in their hearts

    Forever in their hearts

    The Princess Alexandra Auditorium of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State was packed full when the Faculty of Arts held a memorial lecture for the literary icon, Prof Chinua Achebe. JAMES OJO (300-Level Mass Communication) and GIDEON ARINZE (200-Level Mass Communication) report.

    The gathering of eminent men was for the late Prof. Chinua Achebe, the literary icon whose works transcend the African milieu.

    It was Achebe’s memorial lecture tagged: In the service of the Arts: In the service of culture and nation, organised by the Faculty of Arts of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

    At the lecture were former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former  Supreme Court Justice C.M. Chukwuma-Eneh, Senator Chuka Utazi (Enugu North) and the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Benjamin Ozumba, who led members of the staff and students to the occasion.

    In his keynote address, Obi eulogised the late literary giant, describing Achebe as one of the greatest Nigerians who ever lived. He observed that the nation did not have the habit of recognising people who make the country proud in their fields, arguing that the late Achebe was one of those who deserved national recognition.

    Obi said: “It is unfortunate that we live in a country where great men are not celebrated for their deeds. Instead, we celebrate mediocrity. Achebe lived a life worthy of emulating. He stood for justice, equity and epitomised the virtues of an elder statesman.”

    On challenges confronting the country, Obi said bad leadership remained the root cause of the problems Nigeria is facing.

    “Our country is where it is today because our successive leaders have failed to deliver on their mandate,” he said.

    He urged the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to address the fundamental issue slowing down the nation’s progress with utmost priority. Obi hailed the faculty for organising the memorial lecture, saying the event was an indication the Achebe did not die.

    Senator Utazi, who chaired the event, described Achebe as “a repository of knowledge”, “the titan of prose” and a “trajectory of Nigerian political history”. He said the yearly lecture would afford the young ones the platform to learn about the exploits of the late writer.

    The VC, represented by his deputy for Administration, Prof Charles Arinze, said the management had always supported the memorial lecture, thanking the faculty staff for keeping the event alive. He said the late Achebe was an “intellectually fulfilling hero.”

    Earlier, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof Pat Okpoko, said the event was historic given Achebe’s contributions to the growth of the faculty. He said the faculty would continue to commemorate the life and times of the late writer.

    He said: “The faculty has always been honouring the late Chinua Achebe for his giant strides and exemplary style of leadership. He deserved every honour attributed to him, because Achebe made great impact in the faculty.”

    Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to guests. Chief Ugochukwu Orji received an Award of Excellence for entrepreneurship and building technology, while Dr Emmanuel Okonkwo received the award of excellence in corporate governance.

  • Forever in their hearts

    Forever in their hearts

    The Princess Alexandra Auditorium of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) literally became a cauldron of activism when human rights crusaders, trade unionists and freedom fighters gathered to remember their departed colleague, Chima Ubani, who died in a road accident in 2005.

    The 10th remembrance was organised by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) in collaboration with the Friends of Chima Ubani.

    The late Ubani was president of the SUG during which he was said to have led struggles against the management. As a top comrade of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the late activist also led struggles to fight the cause of the masses. He died in the heat of a crisis that trailed the fuel price hike by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    It was a solemn atmosphere in the hall as speakers recalled the impact the late Ubani made on people’s lives and union activism.

    The lead speaker, Prof Femi Aborisade, lamented the high rate of corruption in the country, noting that it was the scourge the late activist stood and fought against. He said some of the ills, which the late Ubani fought against, were yet to be corrected in public offices.

    He said the office of the First Lady, which is not recognised by the Constitution, was illegally created to waste the public resources. He lamented the refusal of private firms to fund education through scholarship and grant to engender growth, saying the practice was affecting the nation adversely.

    Prof Toye Olurode, another speaker, said the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) and NLC used to work together for common goals. He blamed the decline in education standard and erosion of value system for lack of synergy between the two bodies.

    He said: “Some decades ago, NANS was working hand in hand with NLC in the struggle for a better nation. Later on the partnership was strained by the NLC to the detriment of our national growth.”

    The keynote speeches were followed by a panel of discussion on review of activism. One of the panelists, Prof Henry Onwubiko, who said the late Ubani was his childhood friend, described him as humble, selfless, detribalised and down-to-earth.

    Another member of the panel, Comrade Alex Ayatollamo, said he met with the late Ubani three days before the accident, adding that the activist  led a corruption-free life. He said: “The late Ubani lived to end corruption in our system. He believed corruption in the system incapacitated the nation from generating enough electricity to power the economy.”

    Members of the audience said activism was becoming weaker on campuses, because of the overbearing attitude of school authorities. They said the fear of victimisation by students led to the increase in rape cases in higher institution. They wanted students to be protected by their unions.

    The SUG President, Peter Oji, said there was need to inspire students on the effectiveness of unionism, asking what could be done to ensure students’ activism is not infiltrated by authorities of higher institutions.

    Responding, Chairman, National Human Rights Commission, Prof Chidi Odinkalu, said involvement in unionism should not be taken as alibi to harass student-activists.

    He called for unity among students, saying that was the only way they could protect their interest.

    Since SUG does not have a coercive arm to qualify it as a government, Odinkalu advised students to rename their unions as Student Union Movement (SUM). He said scholarship and activism were not mutually exclusive, noting the late Ubani was a First Class graduate.

    Mr Chigozie Ubani, the late activist’s brother, described him as a nationalist, role model, thorough-bred fighter and rare gem.

    The event ended with a tribute session, where participants poured encomiums on the late Ubani for his “selflessness and sacrifice for humanity”. Peter and a member of the SUG, Chidi Ilogebe, led students to chant solidarity jingle in honour of the late unionist.

    The late Ubani died in Potiskum on his way to Abuja on September 21, 2005, during a nationwide sensitisation tour by the NLC to protest the hike in fuel pump price. He was, until his death, the Executive Director of Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO), and a former Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Friends forever

    Friends forever

    It was a gathering of the high and the mighty. They came from all walks of life to honour the former Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu and Mr & Mrs. Ayodeji Fetuga at the wedding of their son, Adedeji Adedapo and daughter,    Adedolapo at  All Souls Anglican Church in Lekki and the Dorcester Events Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    It was obviously her happiest day. She was all smiles, looking elegant in her flowing gown as she alighted from a dark grey Toyota High Lander that brought her to the All Souls Anglican Church in Lekki, Lagos, where her wedding took place last Friday.

    Odunayo Adedolapo Fetuga tied the nuptial knot with the son of the former Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu, Adedapo Adedeji.

    Odunayo’s father, Mr Ayodeji Fetuga, held his daughter hand in hand as they moved to the altar, trailed by her bride’s maids, siblings, friends and some family members. She was handed over to Adedapo, who, clad in a blue suit, a white shirt and a tie.

    In his sermon, the Vicar of the church, Ven Oludare Oloki told Odunayo to support and submit to Adedapo and that Adedapo should love Odunayo in exchange for the submission.

    According to him, in every marriage, the woman is to strengthen the man for them to be compatible, complement each other and not to compete.

    He urged the couple to open up to each other, saying it would remove suspicion and build trust.

    At the Dorchester Event Centre on Water Corporation Drive, Off Ligali Ayorinde, Victoria Island, where the reception took place, the hall decor was a beauty to behold. The all-white decoration with lights, chairs and tables covered in gold and flower vases on the tables, added colour to the beauty of the day.

    Guests, decked on classic outfits of either traditional or English attires, filled the expansive hall to the brim. The ushers, in gold tops on wrappers, gave a good account of themselves, directing special guests to the seats reserved for them. The servers were also up to the task as they ensured that every guest had a lot to eat and drink. Popular comedian Idowu Nuel (a.k.a. Koffi) ensured the guests had no dull moment throughout the programme as he spiced the gathering with rib-cracking jokes at intervals.

    After the entry of the couple and their parents, the chairman on the occasion, Chief Kayode Ojutiku, led the gathering to observe a minute’s silent in honour of the groom’s late father, Prince Micheal Adedeji Adelabu.

    He later admonished the couple to support each other and their families, ensure that they remain together always and never forget each others’ birthday.

    koffi led the couple to cut the five step white cake, they fed each other and had their bridal dance. To the admiration of the quests, the father of the bride also danced with his daughter and the groom’s mother danced with her son.

    Odunayo threw her bouquet to the single ladies and they had the toast.

    The groom said he felt great marrying the only one he loves, describing her as amazing, gorgeous and beautiful.

    “I met her about three years ago, through a friend who is her cousin; the first day I met her, I believed she was the one for me and that was very rare of me because I am choosy. I am glad I met her because she is the perfect match for me,” he said.

    The bride said she was exited, overwhelmed and elated, and thanked God for the success of the day.

    Recalling her first encounter with Adedapo, Odunayo said: “I was not interested when my my cousin first introduced me to him. But, when I got to meet him, I fell in love almost immediately. I had to calm down because I needed to know if he really liked me and not just the pretty face. I was convinced that he really does.”

    Describing Adedapo as caring, she said he was already treating her like a wife even before she got the ring. She said he also treats her as his sister.

    “He makes me happy”, Odunayo said.

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu advised the couple to love each other, saying with love, they will be able to forgive, conquer all fears and heal a lot of things. She wished them a blissful and fruitful marriage for a life time.

    Mrs Adelabu told her son to be like his father. She told the couple to live together and be friends to each other. She prayed God to be in their family.

    The bride’s mother, Mrs Abike Fetuga, prayed that Gods presence will be in the marriage and go before them. She also prayed that the peace and power of God will prevail in the marriage.

    “It’s an ever-lasting journey that they have started. The relationship will not scatter. It will be fruitful. It will be well with them and they will rejoice for the rest of their lives.”

    Former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba told the couple to be committed to prayers.

    Alhaji Aliko Dangote congratulated the couple and he told them to live as brother and sister and should not allow a third party to interfere in their affairs.

    Former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo told the couple to be patient with themselves and do everything to keep each other happy.

    Prof Wale Omole told the couple to ensure effective communication among themselves.

    Kemi Nelson told them to study, understand and tolerate each other.

    Among those who witnessed the engagement at the Idayat Events Centre, Ijebu Ode, the Church service and reception in Lagos are: Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; former Lagos States Governor Babatunde Fashola, his wife Abimbola; former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, his wife Olabisi; Osun State Deputy Governor, Otunba Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; wife of Ogun State governor and Mrs. Olufunso Amosun.

    Others are: House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila; Chief Pius Akinyelure and his wife, Oyo State Deputy Governor, Alake Adeyemo and his wife, Janeth Adewunmi; former Lagos State deputy governor, Mrs. Sarah Adebisi Sosan, her successor, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.

    They include:  Osoba’s wife, Aderinola; royal fathers Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti; Oba Ademola Ajakaye, the Oluyin of Iyi-Ekiti; former Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Prof Wale Omole; foremost scholar Prof. Adebayo Williams; Prof Deji Ojo; Mrs. Mopelola Jeje; Dr. Yinka Sobamiwo; Dr Kofo Odusolo; Dr. Toyin Philips; Prof Biyi Daramola; Chief Sonny Kuku and Dr Olorunimbe Mamora and his wife and former members of the Ekiti State Executive Council between 2010 and 2014, among others.

  • Friends forever

    Friends forever

    They lived in the same neighbourhood, but were not friends. Today, Ademola Somorin, a banker, and former Miss Stella Oyibo, a teacher, are man and wife. They got married in Ilupeju, Lagos last Saturday. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    If they had been told they would marry each other they would not have believed. Reason: They lived in the same neighbourhood in their younger days, but were not friends.

    But about eight years ago, the story changed. They became friends and five years later,  Stella, a teacher, and Ademola Somorin, a banker, knew they were meant for each other.

    Last Saturday, the lovebirds, who grew up in Anthony Village, Lagos, got married at Emmanuel Chapel in Ilupeju, Lagos.

    Stella was all smiles. It was her day. Her father, Mr Alexander Oyibo, who is based in the United States, walked her to the altar.  Stella told The Nation how she met her husband. She said: “We have always known each other but we were not friends. One major friend has tried so many times to match make us but we were always not interested. But, at the right time, both of us decided to move on and have something to do with ourselves and am glad that today I am finally his wife.”

    Ademola, an employee of Zenith Bank, is the son of the late Mr Abayomi Somorin, who was a Chattered Accountant/Chief Executive officer, Eminent Group of Companies. His mother Yetunde Somorin is the proprietor of Temas School in Ikeja, Lagos. He added: “We don’t really use to talk, it was just ‘hi’ and ‘hello’ that we said to each other. We grew up in Anthony Village and after some time we started talking, and seeing each other. Sometimes, we will not see for a while and we will see again. But as time went on, I discovered that she is different from other women, she is God-fearing, the word of God in her life cannot be overemphasised. She is a woman that can pray for her family and that is what any man needs”.

    The solemnisation of their marriage was witnessed by family members, friends and well wishers. Some of the guests clad in green lace and yellow head gear, which were the colours of the day.

    Stella was beautiful in her white wedding gown and veil. Ademola was charming in grey pair of trousers, suit and jacket. His green tie on the white shirt added beauty to his dressing.

    Rev Adebayo Siyanbola of Methodist Church, Lagos officiated at the ceremony. He said the opening prayers and the choir led the praise and worship.

    Apostle Emmanuel Ediomo from Terbanacle of Mercy and Miracle, Sapele in Delta State led the couple to exchange marital vows and rings.

    The cleric prayed for them, urging them to dress and keep their marriage like God told Adam to dress and keep the garden of Eden in the Bible.

    The cleric lamented that most of the issues members see their pastor for are marital, rating them at 60 per cent.

    He added that marriage is not a laughing matter. “You have to watch it for you to have the best from it. If you sow nonsense, you will reap nonsense. Don’t allow technology like the ipads, android phone, uploading and browsing to take the place of your partner. It should not cause issues in your marriage,” he said.

    At the Rajulie hall in the same premises where the reception held, Caleb Ogechukwu aka Calibird was the Master of the ceremonies (MC).

    The hall was tastefully decorated in the colours of the day. The bridal seat was decorated in white with white pillars and flowers of yellow and green colours all over.

    Mistimonta Band ushered in the couple’s parents with songs into the hall. The groom’s father was represented by his elder brother, Prof Owolabi Somorin.

    As the couple entered, guests stood up to honour them. They danced to music from Black Beat Disc Jockey.

    Mrs Odusola Stevenson led the opening prayer.

    The Chairman on the occasion Chief Sunny Okpurie urged the gathering to enjoy the day. The Mc led the couple to cut the cake. They had their bridal dance and other guests joined them on the dance floor.

    The groom said he felt fulfilled for marrying someone he loves.

    He said she is God-fearing, adding: “She is a teacher and that means my kids will not lack any good education. She is a caring person who will go all out to make sure that I am fine no matter what it costs her. These are characters that geared me toward making a decision of spending the rest of my life with her,” he said.

    The bride said she was excited but gave glory to God for the day. She described her husband as focused and loving.

    The mother of the groom, Deaconess Somorin told the couple to work and pray together. She described her son as loving and cool-headed, adding that her daughter-in-law is good. She said she would greatly miss her son.

    Mother of the bride, Mrs Josephine Oyibo, said the day was wonderful and God had been faithful to her.

    She urged the couple to be patient and understand each another. “They must resolve differences between themselves. Bringing a third person does not help in marriage,” she said.

    She said her daughter has been patient and caring, adding she would miss everything about her daughter because she was always there for her. They have many things in common and she is her birthday mate.

    Father of the bride, Mr Oyibo, said he was proud to have brought up his daughter to the point of marriage.

    He said: “Many ladies these days do not even care about marriage. I was proud when my daughter brought somebody that I am satisfied with and Iam glad to give out my daughter today to the family that she wants to marry.

    “My daughter is a well-groomed lady. Right from the beginning, she had a good education, and I made her know the value of education and I supported her. She is hard working and an associate teacher; I think if all teachers are like her, this world would be peaceful.”

    He said he would miss her, especially her smile and help. “But, there comes a time that we have to let go for the person that will take good care of her and I think the person I gave her to will not make me to miss her because he will take good care of her,” he said.

    Oyibo promised to be in touch with them, adding that he would not interfere with their marriage. He told them that marriage is give and take. “Marriage is something you have to reverence. It is the way you take care of your marriage that it will be for you,” he said.

  • Forever in their hearts

    Forever in their hearts

    Medical students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Nnewi, Anambra State, held a memorial for nine of their colleagues who died in a fire on the campus 14 years ago. On the occasion, they drew attention to the state of facilities in the school. FRANKLIN ONWUBIKO (Mass Communication) reports.

    At the College of Health Science of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Nnewi, Anambra State, May 9 is a special day. On May 9, 2001, nine medical students were burnt in a midnight fire, which razed the female hostel. Fourteen years after, the ugly incident is still fresh in the medical students’ memories. To them, the tragedy is a reminder of the neglect of the college by the government.

    The victims included Adaobi Amilo, Amara Ezeliora, Chinenye Nedolisa, Obiageli Muokwugwo, Ugoma Ositanwosu, Doris Ekpo and the courageous Chukwuneke Chinedu, who reportedly died as she made efforts to save her roommates from the inferno.

    •The only ambulance in the college
    •The only ambulance in the college

    “These victims could still be alive if the college had functional ambulance to properly convey them to the hospital,” president of Students’ Association Government in the college, Jennifer Ikediugwu, said. The only functional ambulance in the school, she said, broke down while conveying the victims to the university Teaching Hospital.

    To remember their fallen colleagues, students came out en masse on Friday to commemorate the incident and say prayers for the victims. In his comment, the chairman of the occasion and Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Dr Ebele Ugochukwu, described the incident as unfortunate, advising the students on the need to keep to regulation pasted in their hostels to avert reoccurrence of the sad incident.

    Mama Ozi, a trader on the campus, who witnessed the incident, gave a moving account of what transpired in the day. The audience moved into a moment of grief when she explained how the victims writhed in pain as they were being transported to the hospital in rickety ambulance. She described incident as tragic, expressing disappointment that school still does not have good ambulance fourteen years after.

    Delivering the memorial lecture, Reverend Father Maurice Izunwa spoke on selflessness as exhibited by the late Chukwuneke, who defied the fury of the fire in a bid to save her colleagues trapped in the hostel. The clergy urged students to emulate Chukwuneke’s heroic act and gallantry.

    The Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA), Prof Ken Nworgu, said the management shared in the grief of the victims’ family, saying the school would always remember the deceased. He added that the victims’ death was regrettable, urging students to always ensure their safety and be steadfast in act of selflessness. He promised to take the request of more ambulance by the students to the management.

    Also addressing the students, the president of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Noble Eyisi, gave the reason for participating in the memorial as a way of lending support to students on Nnewi campus. He said called for unity among students, noting: “In unity, we can properly channel our welfare.”

    Noble reiterated his commitment to carry all students along in the union’s activities, assuring that the request for a new ambulance would be pursued vigorously.

    While lamenting the poor learning environment in the college, Jennifer said: “The College has been in existence for so many years now and it has produced seasoned medical practitioners who are saving lives all over the world. But our own lives as students are endangered by the state of the facilities in the school. This campus has been terribly neglected for years. The entire students of the college cry out with one voice. We need help.”

    High points of the event were musical and drama renditions by the students. The students also led a procession to a memorial monument to pay respects to their fallen heroes. After the session, a student, Millicent Ekwudo, seized the opportunity to restate the abysmal state of the school’s facilities, appealing to the authorities to improve on the facilities to secure the life of students. After the presentation, the students shouted: “we need ambulance.”

  • ‘I will forever miss you’

    ‘I will forever miss you’

    The remains of former Chief Programme Officer, Federal Ministry of Health, the late Dr Ayotunde Akinpelumi, have been interred at his Mowe, Ogun State home. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    Everywhere became lively when the generator came on at 10:45am.

    The priests and choristers came in through an adjoining office. In no time, family members, friends and sympathisers filled the hall; some sat outside.

    It was the funeral of Dr Ayotunde Akinpelumi, former Chief Programme Officer, Federal Ministry of Health, at St Matthew Anglican Church in Ogunrun, Mowe, Ogun State, last Friday.

    Akinpelumi was a consultant to a malaria consortium, Support to National Malaria Programme (SuNMaP) in Abuja. He died at 58. He is survived by his widow, Omokehinde and three children, Omoniyi, Korede and Omobonike.

    The service began with a prayer by Canon Israel Adedapo, the Vicar of St Peters Church in Loburo, Ogun State. The congregation stood as Akinpelumi’s remains were wheeled into the church in a casket.

    Reading sentences from the programme, Canon Adedapo led the body into the church. The priests led the way, followed by the choristers and the casket and the family members.

    The priests, in white robes and purple mufflers took their seats on the stage; the choristers in red robes sat on the right side of the hall. The casket was placed on a stool and the family sat on the left side of the hall.

    The choristers led the singing of the hymn, “Jesus lives thy terrors now”. Canon Adedapo read Psalm 90 and Venerable John Sofoluwe read from Revelation 7: 9-17, after the rendition of the hymn, “O God of Bethel”.

    In his sermon, Canon Adedapo described the late Akinpelumi as an easy going man, a generous giver and a father to many.

    He told the congregation that death is not a respecter of persons, class or tribe. Death is inevitable and it would come at some point, he said.

    He urged them to examine themselves, asking: “Where will you spend your eternity, heaven or hell?”

    “One day is coming when people will gather like this to mourn you, what will be said of you?” the cleric asked.

    “Many of you are afraid of shaking people because of the fear of Ebola virus. Before now, it was the fear of HIV/AIDS. Then, Lassa fever and now it is Ebola; very soon, Ebola will fade off and another will come to instil fear in you; stop living in fear because it is not only Ebola that kills. Live a life to please God so that, at the end of time, you will be in eternity,” he said.

    After the sermon, prayers were said for the deceased and his family. The widow and her children led the congregation to give thanks.

    The service ended with the recession hymn: “On the resurrection morning.”

    The Badeji Group pall bearers carried the brown casket around the hall before taking it to the graveside where Canon Adedapo prayed for the repose of Akinpelumi soul. He led the widow and her children to perform the dust-to-dust rites. The faces of the widow and her children were swollen from weeping; they tried to withhold the tears from running down their cheeks.

    Omokehinde described her husband as a soul mate and friend, a father, a source of encouragement, a firm, strict and principled man.

    She said he was an epitome of simplicity, humility and truth who served humanity.

    Recalling how he fought to earn his Masters amid difficulties, she said he was a silent achiever and an organised person.

    “Hearing your demise left me speechless and devastated. Your death has taught me to live everyday as though it is the last and I will forever miss you and you will remain evergreen in my heart,” she said.

    Korede relived the experience of going to the market and cooking together with his dad in Abuja, saying, the memories will forever remain in his heart.

    He said: “I am amazed at the high level of doggedness, dignity and commitment you exhibited while you were alive. I am forever grateful for the affectionate kisses on my fore head, the love and care, even the chastisement and the rebuke.

    Korede described his father as a jovial man who expressed his love to all equally.

    “You added to my success; you were a man that will always extend a hand to those you are not expecting returns from. I will miss your words of advice, the times we spent together watching football and moving into long discussions” he said.

    Omobonike said: “Aside being a father, dad was also a teacher; he was someone that led by example; he lived a life filled with core values, he corrected in love and laid down good legacy for us the children to follow.”

    A professor of Paediatrics and Director, Centre for International Education, University of Ilorin, Olugbenga Mokuolu, said the late Dr Akinpelumi was an adorable personality.

    Mokuolu said: “One thing that strikes you when you are around him is that he has a very simple disposition; he makes very complex task to look simple. I can’t remember when last I saw him frown, he relates well with everyone around and he lived a quality life,” he said.

    Country Director to SuNMaP Dr Kolawole Maxwell described Akinpelumi’s death as “great loss’ to the company.

    “He is one of the very committed and dedicated people we have in the company. He was loved by all; he was kind” and accepted everyone to himself.

    A secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health, Fatima Adebanjo, described the late Akinpelumi, as a nice and kind-hearted man, who derived pleasure in making them happy.

    Programme Director, SuNMaP Dr Folake Olayinka said the deceased was a professional to the core. She said he was always ready to bring out the best from every task he was given.

    “He had worked with so many international organisations and contributed well to this country in the area of health, specifically on malaria,” she said.